40 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



Massachusetts in relation to it, are regarded abroad, bj those 

 best qualified to judge. 



" We took occasion a short time since to notice that the fatal disease of 

 cattle known as pleuro-pneumonia had made its appearance in Austra- 

 lia and America. The facts connected Avith its introduction into both 

 these countries so completely proved the contagious nature of the 

 malady, that we did not hesitate to declare our conviction that unless the 

 most prompt means Avere forthwith adopted to arrest its progress, it 

 would gradually extend itself, and cause a fearful destruction among 

 bovine animals. 



The intelligence which we have recently received not only confirms 

 these opinions, but puts us in possession of the measures the respective 

 governments have had recourse to, and which we must designate as hold 

 and decisive. If the home government had taken up the subject in the 

 same spirit, on the first appearance of the malady here, doubtless we should 

 not have now to lament the ruinous consequences it has brought on so 

 many individuals, nor the immense losses the whole country has sus- 

 tained." 



In view of the well established contagiousness of pleuro- 

 pneumonia, the Commissioners strongly recommend that 

 measures be taken to call the attention of Congress to the 

 propriety of enacting such quarantine regulations in relation 

 to the admission of foreign cattle, as shall effectually guard 

 the country against the danger of another importation of this 

 contagious and fatal disease. That there is no safety in bring- 

 ing neat stock from any part of Europe, is very obvious ; and 

 since it is not unlikely that the importation of such stock will 

 continue, the regulations proposed seem in the highest degree 

 important. The Commissioners trust the legislature will take 

 such action in the premises as the exigency demands. 



They feel that they cannot close this report in a more appro- 

 priate manner than by quoting the opinions of Professor ^inionds, 

 the distinguished president of the London Veterinary College, 

 respecting the pleuro-pneumonia, lately given at an agricultural 

 meeting in Ipswich, England, as reported in the Mark Lane 

 Express. 



Professor Simonds may be properly regarded as the highest 

 European authority on tliis subject. He has devoted much atten- 

 tion to it, and studied it carefully, both on the continent and 



